THE colt's education. 87 



a habit as does a horse. Give him the chance to form the 

 habit of fast walking. Don't tire him out on the start before 

 you ask him to walk, and then expect him to walk rapidly. 

 Give him a chance to show his ability at a walk when he 

 comes fre^h from the stable. If he feels rood, so much the 

 better; keep him down to a walk for the hrst few miles and 

 let him form the habit of walking like a tornado. The 

 natural inclination will be to walk fast, at times almost break- 

 ing into a trot. If this is continued day after day with care 

 that the colt does not become tired, a prompt, or even very 

 fa.-t walk, will be as natural to that colt as eating. 



Time and persistent care taking are necessary to educate a 

 colt into a good and pleasant roadster, but once done the 

 horse will have a higher market value than any not thus 

 carefully trained. \Vhat has been said of walking is true of 

 other gaits. When the pupil is started faster than a walk 

 let it be a good stiff gait of eight to ten miles an hour. See 

 that the colt does not blunder along or move carelessly. Let 

 this gait be maintained until he has changed to a walk, and, 

 whether the beast walk or trot, let it be a good road gait, 

 as if he had some ambition, though the top of his speed may 

 not be aimed at. 



Many serious accidents would be avoided if every colt 

 were taught to stop at the word. Be patient, and try to 

 teach but one thing at a time, and educate him so that he 

 will not be startled by things hitting him. 



What shall be done for a colt inclined to bite? Be kind 

 to it ; but if it bites, chastise it on the spot. 



It is very easy to spoil a colt if he is kept tied up in a stall 

 without regular exercise. Don't do it. 



The young horse not yet fully broken should have but one 

 driver. A firm, quiet tone of voice and gentle manner are 

 invaluable traits in a trainer, and however spirited a colt 



